ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B
Government of the
Minutes
Thursday, April 2, 2009, 7 PM,
The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, April 2,
2009, at 7:00 pm in the
Chairman Nadeau called the meeting to order at 7:12 pm and asked for
introductions.
Officer’s Reports
Secretary
Commissioner Anderson Holness asked for a moment of silence for Cynthia
Akimboni, an Executive Assistant for Councilmember Alexander.
Commissioner Anderson Holness submitted the March meeting minutes for
any corrections. There were no
corrections to the minutes. Commissioner
Anderson Holness moved that ANC1B accept the minutes for the March meeting. The motion was adopted unanimously.
She then asked the Chair for permission to give a presentation on the
1B11 Empowerment Project because she would be leaving the meeting early. Chairman Nadeau agreed. Commissioner Anderson Holness stated that the
project was started several months ago and has been a success. The Empowerment Project includes a story hour
for children, a computer literacy program for seniors, and an educational
literacy program for children. The
second story hour was held and it was an overwhelming success. There is an ongoing book drive as a part of
the story hour. The drop off points for
books are the 9:30 Club,
Chairman
Chairman Nadeau stated that she gave testimony to the Council Committee
on Aging and Community Affairs last night.
She told the committee about all the work the Commission is doing. The Committee views the Commission as a model
on their work, especially with the
Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC). The Commission may be called on in the
future to discuss its work with ABC.
Events and Announcements
Community
·
A representative from the Common Good Farm
announced an information session to be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. There will be information on the Green
Tomorrow program for low income individuals and families in the community. Families can put in two hours of work a week
and get a bag of food in return.
·
A representative from the Children’s Hospital
Clinic at
·
Luella Johnson form CSOSA announced that the
organization has volunteer services available for the community. The volunteers can help with community
service events, clean-ups, or other events where volunteers are needed.
·
Torian Bryant a parent from 14th and W
Streets announced her mentoring group Phenom.
The organization has been active for a few years. Outreach services are provided to children in
the community. Phenom educates children
about their problems, encourages them to talk about violence and other issues,
and gives them an outlet to try other activities instead of violence or other
questionable activities. There will be a
meeting in 2 weeks.
·
A representative from Café Collage announced that
the hours of business are 7am-9pm Monday –Friday and weekends 8am-8pm. Coffee and sandwiches are served. There is also a community bulletin board for
any community announcements. Also, they
are not using their liquor license.
Commission
Commissioner Moss commended the Common Good Farm and is delighted for
the work they do. She stated that she
was working with the Mayor and Councilmember Graham on usages of the now closed
She also announced the following:
·
In collaboration with
·
There will be a service honoring Teresa Brown, a
very important member of the
Commissioner Akinmboni announced the first 2009 Youth Only Leadership
March. The march will be held on August
22, 2009. They are looking for sponsors
for the march. The march is for all
youth in DC in order to note the positive things they are doing in the neighborhood. For more information call 202-351-2465.
Commissioner Muhammad announced that on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 the
South Columbia Heights Neighborhood Association will have its monthly
meeting. Metropolitan Police Department
PSA 304 will be at the meeting. The
guest speaker of the month is the new DDot Director Gabe Klein. He stated that he has been working with the
construction academy at
Officer’s Reports
Treasurer
Commissioner Lopez stated the bank balance as of March 31, 2009 is
$91,101.83. He also passed out a draft
of the second quarter report.
Unfinished Business
Commissioner Conklin stated that the Commission has had a number of
discussions on about the hiring of a new employee at previous meetings and via
e-mail. She moved that ANC1B hire a
staff director. Chairman Nadeau seconded
that motion. Chairman Nadeau asked for comments or questions from the
Commissioners.
Commissioner Muhammad stated that at the last meeting other Commissioners
were not there, but he was firm in stating that he was against hiring an
Executive Director. However, he is not
against the ANC having staff. After
receiving clarification from Chairman Nadeau that Ms. Body the current
administrative assistant would no longer be with the Commission, he was in
support. He was against hiring an
Executive Director because he did not see the purpose in having two staff
members for ANC1B. Commissioner Muhammad
stated that he had not heard from Ms. Body and does not want to make it seem
that she is being forced out by the Commission.
He also wants to know if and when her resignation will come. He also wanted the record to show that now he
believes that we are not going to have more than one staff member, he is
comfortable with the interest of 1B in having a staff member.
Commissioner Thomas asked if the title of the position had been
changed. Chairman Nadeau stated
yes. Commissioner Akinmboni asked if the
administrative assistant had resigned, and why she was not at the meeting. Chairman Nadeau stated that the
administrative assistant is ill tonight, so that is why she was not at the
meeting. She also stated that in
discussions with her, we have come to the conclusion that both her schedule and
the ANC schedule are not matching. She’s
agreed to stay on until a replacement is found.
Nadeau stated that as Chair she felt that going through a formal process
to recognize that we would change staff would be an appropriate way to do so
rather than just letting her go and rehiring.
Chairman Nadeau called to question the hiring of a staff director. The motion to hire a staff director was
adopted 10-0-1. Commissioner Smith
abstained from the vote. Chairman Nadeau
asked for Commissioners to serve on the vetting committee to review all
applicants and get word out about the position opening. Commissioners Raia, Muhammad, Conklin, and
Nadeau stated they wanted to be on the committee. Chairman Nadeau stated she would e-mail the
Commissioners about the committee as well.
Public Safety and Public
Safety Committee Report
Chairman Nadeau asked if anything had been resolved about the location
or agenda of the meeting since last month’s ANC meeting. Commissioner Moss stated that there was no
report for the month because the meeting of the Public Safety Committee is the
first Tuesday of each month and has not occurred yet. Commissioner Muhammad
reported there was a shotting at 1351 Belmont Street, NW on Sunday evening,
March 18. At the last ANC meeting, ANC1B voted to move the meeting to different
locales. She stated that she is working
with Commissioner Muhammad to find potential sites. They have not met since last meeting and a
site has not been found yet. As of
tonight’s meeting, the meeting will be held at the Housing Finance Agency at
7pm. Chairman Nadeau asked for
suggestions from Commissioners for potential locations for meetings in their
single member districts. The following locations were given: Commissioner
Akinmboni: NCBA at
Commissioner Thomas asked if the meeting for her SMD could be held in
conjunction with another SMD. Chairman Nadeau
stated that if they are trying to look at what ANC1Bs Public Safety Committee
does, it might be good to have separate meetings. Commissioner Moss stated that the public
safety meeting will always be the first Tuesday of every month, so as not to
add another meeting to the schedule. The
Public Safety Committee meeting being held with PSA 305 started because the
police presence was not seen in the neighborhood. In order to have 3rd
District Police attend the meetings, the meeting was combined with the PSA
meeting. Commissioner Smith stated that
he knows of a couple locations, but there is no specific plan for how the
meetings will be structured. He supports
changing the locations, but the meeting structure should be planned first. Chairman Nadeau respects his thoughts, but
stated that the ANC voted to move the meetings before having a discussion about
the structure of the meetings. She
encouraged the Commissioners to continue to speak with Commissioner Moss about
the structure, but a location must be found because a vote was taken to change
the location. Commissioner Moss asked
that Commissioners email her the contact information and parking and metro
information for the locations.
Chairman Nadeau discussed the Public Safety Summit. She is still trying to get in contact with
Commander Kucik to find a time that works for the Metropolitan Police
Department. She still wants to have the
summit in May if Commissioners are interested.
She wanted to make sure that all Commissioners can find five people in
their SMDs that are interested in having a comprehensive conversation about
policing and public safety. Nadeau also
wants to ensure that the summit does not conflict with any neighborhood
association meetings. Commissioner
Muhammad stated that it would be more important to focus on moving Public
Safety Committee meetings around in order to build momentum for the summit. The
purpose should not be to duplicate meetings, but to build new partnerships with
community members and organizations.
Consent Agenda
There was no consent agenda.
Presentations
Historic Preservation
Office
A representative from the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) discussed
the role of the office. Most of the work
they do is in historic districts. If
community residents have questions, they should call the office. The website has information about the
proactive things they are doing for the year.
The office has 3 goals: increase the ___________ and recognition of
historic properties, continue to protect historic resources, and capitalize on
______. They encourage applicants to get
on the ANC calendar and seek ANC support because the ANC support has great
weight.
Commissioner Smith asked if HPO was doing anything to try to find ways
to mitigate the cost of restorations because the cost is so high. Also, if
there was any way to subsidize funds for work form individuals that specialize
in restoration work. The HPO
representative stated that there are grant and tax credit programs available to
applicants. Smith also stated there
should be a way to have high school students involved in the local
construction. Commissioner Raia pointed
out the HPO is now located in the
Robyn Schuster from the 14th
Street and U Street Farmer’s Market was present to discuss the renewal of the
Market’s permit. She stated she was
asking the Commission for a letter of support.
This year they are trying to increase access of the market to everyone
in the community. The market is entering
its 3rd year and has increased its producers from ten to twelve or
thirteen. There are two USDA programs at
the market that give free money to women who are pregnant or have children
under the age of five to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. The market attracted three to four hundred
people last year. Food stamps will also
be at the market this year, and this will open the market up to other people
that want produce, milk, bread and eggs.
The market opens May 2, 2009, and there will be an EFT machine for
customers to use. The market will also
continue to work with Martha’s Table.
Commissioner Thomas wished the market continued success in her single
member district. She then moved that
ANC1B support the 14th and
Friends of
Brian
Martin the President of the Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association (CSNA) was
present to speak about the Friends of Harrison Recreation Center. In August 2006, CSNA voted to support the
Commissioners
raised questions about the location of the center, type of letter that was
being requested, and the involvement of CSNA in the use of the center. Brian Martin stated the recreation center is
on the south side of
Design Review Applications and Design
Committee Report
Commissioner Moss introduced Eric
Colbert and Associates. She stated that
they have done a lot of work in ANC1B.
They plan to restore a historic building at
Commissioner Smith asked if there
were any more perspective views of the property to see the massing from other
angles. Mr. Colbert replied no.
Commissioner Smith also stated that if more information is being
provided that he would like to see a crude elevation looking into the opening
between the buildings to see a glimpse of the carriage house. He also asked about the space between the
church and the carriage house. Colbert
replied that parking will be provided between the church and the carriage
house. It is not required for a historic
structure, but the plan involves having six parking places for the
buildings. Commissioner Moss encouraged
outreach to the residents in the area and the local neighborhood
association.
The discussion was then opened for
community questions. Phil Spalding asked
if the subdivision requires any zoning review or renewal. Colbert replied no, but Historic has to sign
off on the application, and then it will be sent to the Zoning
Administrator. Commissioner Moss asked
about the client’s flexibility if the community did not approve of the design. Colbert stated that they have been trying to
develop the property for two years, but the economy has affected the
development and drastic reductions have already been made in the meetings with
the HPO staff. They could make the
buildings bigger, but they still want the project to be economically
viable. They also want to take in all
views and ideas on the design. He
pointed out that they were going before HPO at the end of the month.
Chairman Nadeau asked for a motion,
but Commissioner Moss stated she was not ready to take a vote because she would
like the Design Committee Chair and the residents to review the design and give
their feedback. Nadeau stated that she
would leave it up to Commissioner Moss to put it back on the agenda for next
month. Colbert asked if it would be a
problem that they were going before HPO at the end of the month. Commissioner Moss said not, but she encouraged
him to contact the residents in the community.
Commissioner Smith stated that he was worried about the design, but
about Colbert going before Historic without the ANC voting on it. He asked if Colbert could postpone going
before HPO for a month in order to give the community an opportunity to give
feedback about the design and if necessary, to meet with the Design
Committee. Chairman Nadeau asked what
the concerns would be. Commissioner Moss
stated that she did not know specifically, but there was no negative reaction
to the restoration. Nadeau asked why
they did not get community input before they came before the Commission. Colbert said it did not come up before, and
there is no database that tells what different groups to go through before
presenting to the ANC. She also asked if
the Commission did not want to go on record before Colbert went before
Historic. Commissioner Moss asked if
they could postpone until May. Colbert
stated they would like to get things going as quickly as possible, but if
there’s a meeting or they could call one before, they would be happy to
present. They have been talking to
Historic to see what they would accept and have been cognizant of maintaining
the historic nature of the neighborhood.
No one in the preliminary meetings with Historic or Zoning mentioned
going before the community. Chairman
Nadeau suggested doing a letter to go on record stating no specific opposition,
but recommended that Colbert meet with the community and the Design Committee
before the hearing and consider any of the recommendations they are given.
Commissioner Thomas pointed out that
after hearing any suggestions of the community, they might consider postponing
their presentation to Historic.
Commissioner Smith stated that if they are going on record, the motion
should be to mandate that they go before the community associations and get
approval. Chairman Nadeau stated that
the Commission cannot mandate another community organization to put someone on
their agenda (she was not comfortable with that the last time it occurred.)
because everyone’s hands are tied if it does not happen. Commissioner Moss stated there would not be a
problem getting them on the agenda for the
Liquor Licenses and ABC Committee Report
Commissioner Raia stated there was no quarter report, but he did have
announcements on new businesses for liquor licenses.
·
Vinoteca will be requesting longer patio hours next
month.
·
Mocha Hut is being replaced by the U Street Café
and will be looking for a beer and wine license.
·
Maggie Moos is changing to a _____________store
that will have some type of liquor inside.
Commissioner Smith added that a type A liquor store opened on the corner
of
Bar Pilar and Café Saint
Ex
Commissioner Raia stated that both establishments have submitted
applications to change from a CR to CT licenses. There are some concerns about the hours and
noise control that need to be worked out.
Neither establishment has a voluntary agreement. He has spoken to Andrew Klein the lawyer for
the owner who is also there to present.
They need to create a voluntary to work out the issues. Andrew Klein stated that there is a
requirement in the ABC statute that ABC licenses with kitchens keep kitchens
open until at least two hours before closing.
Both establishments were unaware of that until recently when an ABC
investigation came in and issued a citation and a fine. After that situation, they have been
following the rules, but there is really no food business at that time of
night. Chairman Nadeau asked if that it
was compliance issue. Mr. Klein said
yes, and there is absolutely no change in the nature of either establishment
that will occur. Nadeau stated that this
gives Commission the ability to negotiate new terms.
Commissioner Raia discussed concerns with the license. Some feel that if the kitchen is not open
late, the establishments can close earlier.
The Commission then has to get involved and ask ABRA if they can switch
to a CRCT, but they are not trying to be a bar.
They could put a food percentage in the voluntary to protect the
community from them becoming a bar.
Nadeau asked what the real community concerns are, because adding food
percentage will not help things like noise.
Commissioner Raia said the food percentage will ensure the community
that the establishments can remain a restaurant versus turning into a
tavern. If the license gets sold, then
we won’t have a tavern and things that are associated with taverns versus
restaurants. The specific concerns he
has heard would be addressed through peace, order and quiet in a motion
tonight. Chairman Nadeau asked Klein if
noise was an issue he has heard about.
Mr. Klein stated that he never had any community members come to him
specifically about noise in six years at Café Saint Ex or in four years at Bar
Pilar. Chairman Nadeau asked for
comments from the community.
Phil Spalding, Chairman of the CSNA ABC Committee, stated that CSNA
considered both requests and are in support of both. They asked both establishments to provide a
safety and security plan. A resident of
the 1400 block of
Commissioner Smith agreed with Commissioner Raia adding peace, order,
and quiet, but also keeping a requirement to continue to have the restaurant component
measured with that. Even if the business
is sold, this will keep them functioning as a restaurant. Commissioner Raia stated that folks should
look at the voluntary as punishment, but as part of being a responsible
business. He also pointed out that parts of the statements heard tonight were
not submitted to ABRA, so there is some concern. He then moved that ANC1B protest the Café
Saint Ex and Bar Pilar application on the basis of peace, order, and quiet with
the intent to have the community’s voice heard and to allow time to have the
voluntary signed. When the voluntary is
complete and signed by both parties before roll call, this Commission will
submit to ABRA a withdrawal of the protest.
Also, he will include in the letter of the Commission the concerns of
the community on the conversions of CR and CT licenses and how they affect the
community. Commissioner Smith seconded
the motion. The motion was adopted 9-0
for both establishments.
Andrew Klein was present to discuss this license. The restaurant will have two famous chefs as
consultants on the menu. The restaurant
will have Mediterranean fusion cuisine with a focus on Latin American and Asian
tapas. There will be a dance floor for
dancing and a DJ. Commissioner Raia
stated that he encouraged the owners to sign a voluntary agreement on the
issues of peace, order, and quiet. He
also encouraged the owner to speak to other businesses in the area about trash
compacting services. Commissioner Smith
had a question about the capacity of the space.
Mr. Klein said they applied for one hundred eighty person capacity, but
the actual number of seats is one hundred thirty five. Chairman Nadeau asked about the hours. The hours will be 2am to 3am replied
Klein.
Community members then asked questions.
Phil Spalding stated that the application included using sidewalk
space. He asked if sidewalk space would
be a part of this presentation and what the size and hours are for the sidewalk
space. Klein stated that the sidewalk
space will seat twenty-four and the hours will be from (2am to 3a), and they
will be before the ANC again for the space.
John from Café Saint Ex and Bar Pilar said he will help the owner with
trash compactor services. Commissioner
Estrada said he just heard about the sidewalk space, and he believes there is
an agreement with the community for the corner of Café Saint Ex that closes the
outdoor space at 11pm. Estrada said he
would be happy to work with the owner on the hours of the sidewalk café. John from Café Saint Ex and Bar Pilar stated
they do not have a voluntary for the patio, and he chose to close the patio out
of concern for the neighborhood.
Commissioner Raia moved that ANC1B protest the application for Mesa14 on
the basis of peace, order, and quiet with the intent to have the community’s
voice heard and to allow time to have the voluntary signed. When the voluntary is complete and signed by
both parties before roll call, this Commission will submit to ABRA a withdrawal
of the protest. Commissioner Nadeau
seconded the motion. The motion was
adopted 9-0.
Twin Jazz
Commissioner Raia stated that the establishment was switching from a CT
to a CR. The owners were invited, but no
representative was present to discuss the license. Commissioner Raia moved that ANC1B on the
basis of peace, order, and quiet with the intent to have the community’s voice
heard and to allow time to have the voluntary signed. When the voluntary is complete and signed by
both parties before roll call, this Commission will submit to ABRA a withdrawal
of the protest. Also, he will include in the letter of the Commission the
concerns of the community on the conversions of CR and CT licenses and how they
affect the community. Phil Spalding
stated that this was a food percentage problem.
This was never a restaurant, but missed food quota numbers and in order
to continue their business they must switch to a CR. Commissioner Ferrer seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 9-0.
Grant
Applications
Commissioner Moss introduced the grant application for the Friends at the
LeDroit Park Gate. A resident in
Commissioner Smith indicated that the Mentoring Works2 grant would not be
heard because the event occurred in March.
Commissioner Smith introduced the annual grant application for the DC Caribbean
Carnival. The event is held on the last
Saturday in June. It is a cultural explosion
that exposes DC to
Commissioner Raia asked the Chair if he could make a motion for
reimbursement before new business was discussed. Chairman Nadeau agreed. Commissioner Raia moved that ANC1B reimburse
him for office supplies and business cards totaling $247.96. Chairman Nadeau seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 9-0.
New
Business
Chairman Nadeau discussed the need to purchase AV equipment for the
meetings. She moved that ANC1B purchase AV equipment once office space is
complete. Commissioner Moss seconded the
motion. The motion was adopted
7-0-2. There were two abstentions. She also stated that the Commission should
speak with Luella Johnson of CSOSA about having volunteers distribute flyers
for the meetings. She also asked
Commissioners to consider placing an ad in local newspapers to publicize the
monthly meetings. Chairman Nadeau then
asked the Commissioners for newspaper suggestions. Commissioner Muhammed reminded the executive
committee that he had previously offered the following suggestions: Washington City Paper, Blade, The Hilltop
(Howard University Newspaper), DC North, Northwest Current and In towner. Commissioner Smith recommended that the
Commission ask if the meeting announcement could be a public service
announcement. Gene_____________
indicated that the Green Team can help with flyer distribution as well.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:12pm.